Dragons’ Den TV star takes University of Derby visiting professor role at launch of state-of-the-art building
Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis was in the city today at the launch of the highly anticipated opening of the state-of-the-art business school.
Dragons’ Den TV star Theo Paphitis has been appointed Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Derby.
The retail magnate whose business empire spans property, finance and retail will share his business nous and entrepreneurial tips with learners at the university.
Mr Paphitis was in Derby today (Friday, September 19) for the exclusive launch event of The Cavendish Building.
University Chancellor Lord Burlington welcomed the titan of industry to Derby where the £75m building was officially opened.
The Cavendish Building is the University of Derby’s state-of-the-art business school building.
It puts Derby firmly on the map for global business education and sustainable innovation.
The University of Derby officially announced the appointment of Theo Paphitis as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship.
As part of the role, he will work alongside Lord Burlington to lead the Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs Club, a new ambitious initiative to drive excellence in entrepreneurial education at Derby.
Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon and Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship for the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted to join the University of Derby as their Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship.
“I will draw on my decades of business experience to support the University’s commitment to putting entrepreneurship front and centre - encouraging the students of Derby to turn ambition into opportunity.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, spoke of the “defining” moment for the university.
She said: “The opening of The Cavendish Building marks a defining moment for the University of Derby.
“This is more than just a building – it is a symbol of our commitment to delivering world-class education, rooted in real-world experience and global thinking.
“By working in close partnership with industry, we are setting a blueprint for how universities can empower students to graduate with the skills, knowledge and networks they need to lead, innovate and thrive in a fast-changing world.”
The launch brought together influential voices in global business, VIP guests, and key civic stakeholders for a day of discussion, insight, and celebration.
Highlights included an ‘In Conversation’ session with Theo Paphitis, chaired by Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, followed by a keynote panel hosted by Professor Kathryn Mitchell on the future of business, featuring Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Gurpreet Dehal, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Governing Council and experts from the University of Derby.
Guests also had an opportunity to explore the seven-storey building and its cutting-edge facilities, which include a fully equipped Trading Floor with Bloomberg and London Stock Exchange terminals, a specialist Supply Chain Lab and an Extended Reality Suite to develop learning in a virtual environment.
The University also recognised key supporters of The Cavendish Building, including The Duke of Devonshire’s Charitable Trust and John Booth.
The contributions of Brian Ashby and the Garfield Weston Foundation have been honoured with the naming of two lecture theatres.
Lord Burlington, Chancellor of the University of Derby and Chair of the Devonshire Group and Chatsworth House Trust, said: “The opening of The Cavendish Building marks an extraordinary new chapter for the University and for the city.
“It reflects the University’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.
“It has led to new connections with philanthropists and the business world, and I am immensely proud to see Derby leading the way in preparing students to become responsible and visionary leaders of tomorrow.”
Located in the heart of the city centre, The Cavendish Building is set to offer inspirational teaching in a setting to match and will help to establish the city as a destination of choice for students, academics and industry.
Find out more about the University of Derby’s new future-focused Business School click here. derby.ac.uk/departments/derby-international-business-school/new-building